Interview with Brandon Jett, November 19, 2015

Interview Summary

Jett speaks about his introduction to outdoor activities and his current interest in whitewater rafting, which arose while he was living in the west and continued after he moved back to Elkhorn City, met other kayakers, and joined a whitewater rafting association. He speaks about the usual details of his visits to Russell Fork River, including his accommodations and habits. He also relays some of his knowledge of the early days of kayaking and whitewater rafting in Elkhorn City, and he offers suggestions for improving the economic situation of the city by recreational means. Jett speaks about his experiences as a paddler in Elkhorn City, and how he finds it to be the most welcoming paddling town he has ever visited. He speaks about the economic base of Elkhorn City, and the change that is being brought about by the dying coal industry. He speaks about his desire to do little things to help out the economic situation of the town of Elkhorn City.

Interview Keyword

Russell Fork River Appalachian Region--Social conditions Appalachian Region--Social life and customs Economic development. Appalachian Region--Economic conditions

Interview LC Subject

Elkhorn City (Ky.) Rivers--Kentucky Rafting (Sports) Outdoor recreation. Kayaking. River tourism.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.